Shelf with electrical connectivity

ABSTRACT

A shelf includes a shelf support plate, an insulator formed at least partially of a first electrically insulating material, a first fastener, a second fastener and a shelf brace. The shelf support plate, the first fastener, the second fastener, and the shelf brace are formed at least partially of electrically conductive material. The shelf support plate includes a first aperture wall. The insulator includes second and third aperture walls. The shelf brace includes a brace plate, a shelf hook that extends from the brace plate, and a fourth aperture wall through the shelf brace. The insulator mounts between the shelf support plate and the shelf brace using the first fastener inserted into the first and second aperture walls and the second fastener inserted into the fourth and third aperture walls. The shelf hook connects to an electrical connector to provide current to the shelf brace.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/915,075 filed on Oct. 15, 2019,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Thepresent application is also a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/872,818 that was filed May 12, 2020, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Objects that use an electrical signal, such as for power or for datatransmission, may be associated with a shelving system. Electricalconnection systems that provide the electrical signal to such objectsshould provide a safe and reliable electrical connection that ispreferably easy to manufacture and to mount in the shelving system in avisually unobtrusive manner while maintaining a structural integritythat supports one or more items on a shelf support plate of a shelf ofthe shelving system.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, a shelf is provided that includes, but is notlimited to, a shelf support plate, a first insulator, a first fastener,a second fastener and a shelf brace. The shelf support plate is formedat least partially of a first electrically conductive material. Theshelf support plate includes, but is not limited to, a first aperturewall formed through the shelf support plate. The first insulator isformed at least partially of a first electrically insulating material.The first insulator includes, but is not limited to a second aperturewall and a third aperture wall. The first fastener includes, but is notlimited to, a first shaft and a first head. The first fastener is formedat least partially of a second electrically conductive material. Thesecond fastener includes, but is not limited to. a second shaft and asecond head. The second fastener is formed at least partially of a thirdelectrically conductive material. The shelf brace is formed at leastpartially of a fourth electrically conductive material. The shelf braceincludes, but is not limited to, a brace plate, a shelf hook thatextends from the brace plate, and a fourth aperture wall. The shelf hookis configured to connect to an electrical connector configured toprovide an electrical current to the shelf brace. The fourth aperturewall is formed through the shelf brace. The first insulator isconfigured to mount between the shelf support plate and the shelf braceusing the first shaft of the first fastener inserted into the firstaperture wall and the second aperture wall and the second shaft of thesecond fastener inserted into the fourth aperture wall and the thirdaperture wall.

Other principal features of the disclosed subject matter will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdrawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will hereafterbe described referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein likenumerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a device in which a plurality of shelves is mounted inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front, right side view of a first shelf of theplurality of shelves of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front, right side view of a second shelf of theplurality of shelves of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 4A depicts a zoomed back perspective view of a first ladder inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4B depicts a zoomed back perspective view of a second ladder inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a right side view of a right brace of the first shelf ofFIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a right side view of a right brace of the second shelf ofFIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a back, right, bottom side view of a front trim assemblyof the first shelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a zoomed back, right, bottom side view of the front trimassembly of the first shelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a front right side view of the front trim assembly of thefirst shelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 10 depicts a back, right side view of the front trim assembly ofFIG. 9 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 11 depicts a zoomed back, right side view of the front trimassembly of FIG. 9 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 12A depicts a right side view of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 12B depicts a right side view of a light assembly of the front trimassembly of the first shelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 13 depicts a zoomed back, right side view of a right end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 14 depicts a zoomed top perspective view of electrical componentsof the light assembly of the front trim assembly of the first shelf ofFIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 15 depicts an exploded bottom perspective view of the lightassembly of FIG. 14 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 16 depicts a cross sectional, bottom, left perspective view of thelight assembly of the front trim assembly of the first shelf of FIG. 2in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 17 depicts a zoomed back perspective view of a left side of a leftend cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 in accordance withan illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 18 depicts a zoomed top perspective view of the left side of theleft end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 19 depicts a back perspective view of a right end cap housing ofthe right end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 20 depicts a back perspective view of an electrical connector ofthe right end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 21 depicts a back perspective view of a rectifier board of theright end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 9 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 22A depicts a back cross-sectional view of the right end capassembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 22B depicts a right side, cross-sectional view of the right end capassembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 23 depicts a back, right, bottom side perspective view of thesecond shelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 24 depicts a right side view of the second shelf of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 25 depicts a back, right side view of the front trim assembly ofthe second shelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 26 depicts a zoomed back, right side view of the right end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 27 depicts a right side view of the right end cap assembly of thefront trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 28 depicts a zoomed back, right side view of the right end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 29 depicts a zoomed top perspective view of the left end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 30 depicts a zoomed back perspective view of the left end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 31 depicts a zoomed back perspective view of electrical componentsof the light assembly of the front trim assembly of the second shelf ofFIG. 28 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 32 depicts a back perspective view of a first electrical connectorof the right end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 33 depicts a back, right perspective view of the right side of theright end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 23 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 34 depicts a back perspective view of a right end cap housing ofthe right end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 35 depicts a zoomed back, right side view of the right end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 with a second electricalconnector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 36 depicts a zoomed top perspective view of electrical componentsof the light assembly of the front trim assembly of the second shelf ofFIG. 3 with the second electrical connector of FIG. 35 in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 37 depicts a front perspective view of the second electricalconnector of FIG. 35 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 38 depicts a zoomed back perspective view of the left end capassembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 25 with the secondelectrical connector of FIG. 35 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 39 depicts a back, right perspective view of the right side of theright end cap assembly of the front trim assembly of FIG. 23 with thesecond electrical connector of FIG. 35 in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 40 depicts a back, right side view of the right brace of the firstshelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 41 depicts a front right side view of the right brace of the firstshelf of FIG. 2 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 42 depicts a right side view of the right brace of the first shelfof FIG. 2 zoomed to show a hook of the right brace in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 43 depicts a back, bottom view of the second shelf of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 44 depicts a bottom view of the second shelf of FIG. 3 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 45A depicts an exploded front view of a right side of the secondshelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 45B depicts an exploded front view of a left side of the secondshelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 46 depicts a left side view of a shelf support plate of the secondshelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 47 depicts a left, bottom view of the shelf support plate of FIG.46 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 48 depicts a zoomed back view of a front, right side of the fronttrim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 49 depicts a zoomed bottom view of the front, right side of thefront trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 50 depicts a zoomed bottom, left view of the front, right side ofthe front trim assembly of FIG. 25 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 51 depicts a zoomed bottom view of the front, right side of thefront trim assembly of FIG. 25 with a front, right insulator and theright end cap assembly transparent in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

FIG. 52 depicts a back, left side view of the front, right insulator ofFIG. 51 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 53 depicts a back, right side view of the front, right insulator ofFIG. 51 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 54 depicts a zoomed back, left view of a back, left area of thesecond shelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 55 depicts a zoomed front, right view of the back, left area of thesecond shelf of FIG. 3 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 56 depicts a zoomed front, right view of the back, left area of thesecond shelf of FIG. 3 with a back, left insulator transparent inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 57 depicts a front, right side view of the back, left insulator ofFIG. 56 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 58 depicts a left side view of the back, left insulator of FIG. 56in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described system provides electrical connectivity through a shelfbrace of a shelf. One or more wired or wireless connectors may beassociated with each shelf. For example, a first connector may provide aground potential, a second connector may provide an alternatingcurrent/voltage or a direct current/voltage, and/or a third connectormay provide a digital or analog data signal though a fewer or a greaternumber of connectors may be associated with each shelf. Power providedto the connector may be modulated, for example, using pulse widthmodulation to vary the amount of power, for example, to dim a light.Various voltage levels may be provided such as 12 volts (V), 24 V, etc.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative device is shown in which aplurality of shelves 102 is mounted. FIG. 1 shows a front view ofrefrigerator 100 with open doors to show a portion of two interiorspaces that include the plurality of shelves 102. The plurality ofshelves 102 are mounted to a plurality of ladders 104 not all of whichare visible. The plurality of ladders 104 may be mounted to one or morewalls that define each interior space including a door 106 that mayenclose the interior space. One or more ladders of the plurality ofladders 104 may be used to mount each shelf of the plurality of shelves102 within the interior space(s). For example, a first left ladder (notshown) and a first right ladder 108 a may be mounted to a first backwall 110 to extend vertically near a left edge and near a right edge offirst back wall 110, respectively. A second left ladder 112 and a secondright ladder (not shown) may be mounted to a second back wall 114 toextend vertically near a left edge and near a right edge of second backwall 114, respectively.

A ladder may be mounted in other locations and to other walls thatdefine the interior space(s). For example, in an alternative embodiment,the ladder may extend horizontally or in another direction such as adiagonal direction relative to the one or more walls. As anotherexample, the ladder may be mounted at a center of the back wall or to aside wall. As yet another example, the ladder(s) may be mounted to door106. A drawer or other storage space may further be mounted to theshelf. The shelf may be included in a heated or a cooled space or in aspace at an ambient temperature. The cooled space, for example, may be arefrigerated space or a freezer space. One or more of the plurality ofshelves 102 may extend a portion of a width and/or a depth of theinterior space or an entire width and/or an entire depth of the interiorspace. One or more of the plurality of shelves 102 further may extend aportion of a width of door 106 or an entire width of door 106.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front right side view of a first shelf 200 of theplurality of shelves 102 is shown in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. First shelf 200 may include a first shelf support plate 202,a first right brace 204, a first left brace 206, and a first front trimassembly 208. First front trim assembly 208 is mounted to a front edgeof first shelf support plate 202.

Referring to FIG. 5, a right side view of first right brace 204 is shownin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. First right brace 204 mayinclude a first right brace plate 210, a first right brace arm 500, afirst right brace hook 212, a first right transition wall 214, and aright shelf electrical connector 502. First left brace 206 may include afirst left brace plate 216, a first left brace arm (not shown), a firstleft brace hook 218, a first left transition wall 220, and a left shelfelectrical connector 802 (shown referring to FIG. 8).

A greater or a fewer number of braces may be used in alternativeembodiments. For example, an additional brace may be included to supporta larger first shelf support plate 202. As another example, a singlecenter brace may be used with a different support system such as amolded platform on either side of first shelf support plate 202. Asanother example, a single brace adjacent a left or a right side of firstshelf 200 may be used with a different support system such as a moldedplatform on the other side of first shelf support plate 202. Items canbe placed on first shelf support plate 202. The components of firstshelf 200 may be formed of one or more materials, such as metal, glass,and/or plastic having a sufficient strength and rigidity to provide theillustrated and/or described function. For example, first shelf supportplate 202, a drawer, or other receptacle may be formed of one or morematerials, such as metal, glass, and/or plastic having a sufficientstrength and rigidity to support food items or other items stored inrefrigerator 100. In an illustrative embodiment, first right brace 204and first left brace 206 are formed of an electrically conductivematerials such as a metal including steel, stainless steel, aluminum,etc. In an illustrative embodiment, first right brace 204 and first leftbrace 206 may be partially coated with an electrically insulatingmaterial.

In the illustrative embodiment, first shelf support plate 202 is mountedto first right brace 204 and first left brace 206. First shelf supportplate 202 may form a variety of shapes including a polygon, a circle,etc. with various sizes. In an illustrative embodiment, first shelfsupport plate 202 is attached to first right brace 204 and to first leftbrace 206, for example, using an adhesive though in alternativeembodiments other mounting mechanisms may be used or first shelf supportplate 202 may not be attached to first right brace 204 and first leftbrace 206. A drawer or other receptacle may be mounted to extend upwardor downward from first shelf support plate 202 using various methodsknown in the art.

First right brace plate 210 may have various shapes and dimensions. Forexample, a height of first right brace plate 210 may narrow towards afront of first shelf 200 so that less material is used and so that firstright brace plate 210 is less visible to a consumer though the height, awidth, and the material are selected to be strong enough to support aweight of items placed on first shelf support plate 202. In theillustrative embodiment, first right brace arm 500 forms a generallyflat, horizontal surface when first shelf support plate 202 is mountedto first right brace 204 and is configured to support first shelfsupport plate 202. In the illustrative embodiment, first right brace arm500 extends in a generally perpendicular direction from a top edge offirst right brace plate 210. The generally perpendicular direction mayindicate that a transition between two objects may be curved though thetwo objects are otherwise perpendicular to each other.

In the illustrative embodiment, right shelf electrical connector 502extends up from first right brace plate 210 at an end of first rightbrace plate 210 opposite first right brace hook 212. In alternativeembodiments, right shelf electrical connector 502 extends down fromfirst right brace plate 210 or outward from first right brace plate 210at the end of first right brace plate 210 opposite first right bracehook 212. Right shelf electrical connector 502 may have various sizesand shapes configured to mate with a portion of first front trimassembly 208 described further below. Right shelf electrical connector502 may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape relative to a planeparallel to an exterior surface of first right brace plate 210. Forexample, right shelf electrical connector 502 may have a triangular orrectangular cross-sectional shape. Right shelf electrical connector 502and first right brace plate 210 may be formed of a single continuouspiece of electrically conductive material or formed of separatecomponents mounted to each other, for example, by welding.

In the illustrative embodiment, first right brace 204 may include firstright transition wall 214 formed between first right brace hook 212 andfirst right brace plate 210 to assist in alignment of first right brace204 with the ladder to which first shelf 200 is mounted on a right side.Similarly, first left brace 206 may include first left transition wall220 formed between first left brace hook 218 and first left brace plate216 to assist in alignment of first left brace 206 with the ladder towhich first shelf 200 is mounted on a left side. First right brace plate210, first right transition wall 214, and first right brace hook 212 maybe formed of a single continuous piece of electrically conductivematerial or formed of separate components mounted to each other, forexample, by welding. Similarly, first left brace plate 216, first lefttransition wall 220, and first left brace hook 218 may be formed of asingle continuous piece of electrically conductive material or formed ofseparate components mounted to each other, for example, by welding.

In an alternative embodiment, first right brace 204 and first left brace206 may not include first right transition wall 214 or first lefttransition wall 220, respectively. Instead, first right brace plate 210and first right brace hook 212 and/or first left brace plate 210 andfirst left brace hook 218 may be formed of a continuous planar wall.First right brace plate 210 and first left brace plate 210 may or maynot extend an entire length of first shelf support plate 202.

First left brace 206 may be similar to first right brace 204. Forexample, first left brace 206 may form a mirror image of first rightbrace 204 relative to a vertical plane through a center of a spacebetween first right brace 204 and first left brace 206.

Referring to FIG. 3, a front right side view of a second shelf 300 ofthe plurality of shelves 102 is shown in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Similar to first shelf 200, second shelf 300 may include asecond shelf support plate 302, a second right brace 304, a second leftbrace 306, and a second front trim assembly 308. Second front trimassembly 308 is mounted to a front edge of second shelf support plate302.

Referring to FIG. 6, a right side view of second right brace 304 isshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Second right brace304 may include a second right brace plate 310, a second right bracehook 312, a second right transition wall 314, a first right frontaperture wall 600, a second right front aperture wall 602, a right topaperture wall 604, a right bottom aperture wall 606, and a second rightbrace arm 608. Second left brace 306 may include a second left braceplate 316, a second left brace hook 318, a second left transition wall320, a first left front aperture wall 4508 (shown referring to FIG.45B), a second left front aperture wall 4509 (shown referring to FIG.45B), a left top aperture wall 4510 (shown referring to FIG. 45B), aleft bottom aperture wall 4512 (shown referring to FIG. 45B), and asecond left brace arm 4514 (shown referring to FIG. 45B). Second rightbrace 304 and second left brace 306 may include a fewer or a greaternumber of aperture walls.

Similar to first shelf 200, a greater or a fewer number of braces may beused in alternative embodiments. The components of second shelf 300 maybe formed of one or more materials, such as metal, glass, and/or plastichaving a sufficient strength and rigidity to provide the illustratedand/or described function. For example, second shelf support plate 302,a drawer, or other receptacle may be formed of one or more materials,such as metal, glass, and/or plastic having a sufficient strength andrigidity to support food items or other items stored in refrigerator100. In an illustrative embodiment, second right brace 304 and secondleft brace 306 are formed of an electrically conductive materials suchas a metal including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. In anillustrative embodiment, second right brace 304 and second left brace306 may be partially coated with an electrically insulating material.

Second shelf support plate 302 is mounted to second right brace 304 andsecond left brace 306. Second shelf support plate 302 may form a varietyof shapes including a polygon, a circle, etc. of various sizes. In anillustrative embodiment, second shelf support plate 302 is attached tosecond right brace 304 and to second left brace 306, for example, usingan adhesive though in alternative embodiments other mounting mechanismsmay be used or second shelf support plate 302 may not be attached tosecond right brace 304 and second left brace 306. A drawer or otherreceptacle may be mounted to extend upward or downward from second shelfsupport plate 302.

Second left brace 306 may be similar to second right brace 304. Secondleft brace 306 may form a mirror image of second right brace 304relative to a vertical plane through a center of a space between secondright brace 304 and first left brace 306. Second right brace 304 andsecond left brace 306 may be similar to first right brace 204 and firstleft brace 206, respectively. In the illustrative embodiments, firstright brace plate 210, first right brace hook 212, and first righttransition wall 214 are identical to second right brace plate 310,second right brace hook 312, and second right transition wall 314, andfirst left brace plate 216, first left brace hook 218, and first lefttransition wall 220 are identical to second left brace plate 316, secondleft brace hook 318, and second left transition wall 320 except thatsecond right brace plate 310 and second left brace plate 316 include theapertures, and first right brace plate 210 and first left brace plate216 include right shelf electrical connector 502 and left shelfelectrical connector 802, respectively. Second right brace arm 608 andsecond left brace arm 4514 of second right brace 304 and second leftbrace 306, respectively, are further curved instead of flat as are firstright brace arm 500 and the first left brace arm because second shelfsupport plate 302 includes a plurality of wires 4600 (shown referring toFIG. 46) instead of first shelf support plate 202, which is a flat glassplate in the illustrative embodiment.

Second right brace plate 310 may have various shapes and dimensions. Forexample, a height of second right brace plate 310 may narrow towards afront of second shelf 300 so that less material is used and so thatsecond right brace plate 310 is less visible to a consumer though theheight, a width, and the material are selected to be strong enough tosupport a weight of items placed on second shelf support plate 302.

In the illustrative embodiment, second right brace 304 may includesecond right transition wall 314 formed between second right brace hook312 and second right brace plate 310 to assist in alignment of secondright brace 304 with the ladder to which second shelf 300 is mounted ona right side. Similarly, second left brace 306 may include second lefttransition wall 320 formed between second left brace hook 318 and secondleft brace plate 316 to assist in alignment of second left brace 306with the ladder to which second shelf 300 is mounted on a left side.Second right brace plate 310, second right transition wall 314, andsecond right brace hook 312 may be formed of a single continuous pieceof electrically conductive material or formed of separate componentsmounted to each other, for example, by welding. Similarly, second leftbrace plate 316, second left transition wall 320, and second left bracehook 318 may be formed of a single continuous piece of electricallyconductive material or formed of separate components mounted to eachother, for example, by welding.

In an alternative embodiment, second right brace 304 and second leftbrace 306 may not include second right transition wall 314 or secondleft transition wall 320, respectively. Instead, second right braceplate 310 and second right brace hook 312 and/or second left brace plate310 and second left brace hook 318 may be formed of a continuous planarwall. Second right brace plate 310 and second left brace plate 310 mayor may not extend an entire length of second shelf support plate 302.

In the illustrative embodiment, first right front aperture wall 600,second right front aperture wall 600, right top aperture wall 602, andright bottom aperture wall 606 form apertures through second right braceplate 310. As discussed further below, a fastener such as a screw, arivet, a bolt, a nail, etc. is inserted into each of first right frontaperture wall 600, second right front aperture wall 600, right topaperture wall 602, and right bottom aperture wall 606 to mount secondright brace plate 310 to second shelf support plate 302. Similarly,first left front aperture wall 4508, second left front aperture wall4509, left top aperture wall 4510, and left bottom aperture wall 4512form apertures through second left brace plate 316. A fastener isinserted into each of first left front aperture wall 4508, second leftfront aperture wall 4509, left top aperture wall 4510, and left bottomaperture wall 4512 to mount second left brace plate 316 to second shelfsupport plate 302

Referring to FIG. 4A, a zoomed back perspective view of first rightladder 108 a is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Each ladder of the plurality of ladders 104 may be similar. First rightladder 108 a may include a front wall 400, a right side wall 402, and aleft side wall 404 mounted to each other to form a u-shaped brace. Frontwall 400 includes a plurality of shelf bracket aperture walls 406 thatdefine spaced apart apertures formed through front wall 400 at regularintervals to provide a plurality of mounting locations for first shelf200 and/or second shelf 300 of the plurality of shelves 102. Right sidewall 402 includes a plurality of pairs of right ladder connectoraperture walls 408 that define spaced apart apertures formed throughright side wall 402 at regular intervals to provide a plurality ofmounting locations for a ladder connector (not shown), for example, asdescribed in U.S. Patent Publication Number 2019/0211627. Left side wall404 includes a plurality of pairs of left ladder connector aperturewalls 410 that define spaced apart apertures formed through left sidewall 404 at regular intervals to provide the plurality of mountinglocations for the ladder connector. For example, a pair of right ladderconnector aperture walls 408 align horizontally at a common verticalheight with a pair of left ladder connector aperture walls 410 so thatthe ladder connector is supported on both sides.

Using various openings formed in first right ladder 108 a and in thefirst left ladder, a position of first shelf 200 and/or second shelf 300can be adjusted within the interior space or on door 106 or first shelf200 and/or second shelf 300 can be removed from the interior space orfrom door 106.

First right ladder 108 a may be formed of one or more materials, such asmetal, glass, and/or plastic having a sufficient strength and rigidityto provide the illustrated and/or described function of supporting oneor more of the plurality of shelves 102. First right ladder 108 a may beformed of a single continuous piece of material. In an illustrativeembodiment, first right ladder 108 a is formed of stainless steel oraluminum.

A number of shelf bracket aperture walls 406 spaced in the verticaldirection may be selected to define a number of optional mountinglocations for first shelf 200 and/or second shelf 300. In theillustrative embodiment, a distance between a lower edge of a firstshelf bracket aperture wall and an upper edge of a second shelf bracketaperture wall is defined based on a geometry of first right brace hook212, first left brace hook 218, second right brace hook 312, and secondleft brace hook 318. In the illustrative embodiment, the shelf bracketaperture walls 406 are generally rectangular in shape and sized to allowinsertion therein of a head portion of each hook 212, 218, 312, 318 withor without the ladder connector.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a zoomed back perspective view of second rightladder 108 b is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Second right ladder 108 b may include front wall 400, a second rightside wall 402 b, and a second left side wall 404 b mounted to each otherto form the u-shaped brace. Second right side wall 402 b does notinclude the plurality of pairs of right ladder connector aperture walls408. Second left side wall 404 b does not include the plurality of pairsof left ladder connector aperture walls 410. Nevertheless, a position offirst shelf 200 and/or second shelf 300 can be adjusted within theinterior space or on door 106 using the shelf bracket aperture walls406.

Second right ladder 108 b may be formed of one or more materials, suchas metal, glass, and/or plastic having a sufficient strength andrigidity to provide the illustrated and/or described function ofsupporting one or more of the plurality of shelves 102. Second rightladder 108 b may be formed of a single continuous piece of material. Inan illustrative embodiment, second right ladder 108 b is formed ofstainless steel or aluminum.

First right ladder 108 a and/or second right ladder 108 b may beconnected by wire or wirelessly to a controller of a device to which theshelf is mounted such as a refrigerator 100 (shown referring to FIG. 1).A ladder connector further may be connected by wire or wirelessly to acontroller of a device to which the shelf is mounted such as arefrigerator 100 (shown referring to FIG. 1). The ladder connector maybe mounted between first right ladder 108 a and/or second right ladder108 b and first right brace 204, first left brace 206, second rightbrace 304, and/or second left brace 306.

First right brace hook 212, first left brace hook 218, second rightbrace hook 312, and second left brace hook 318 extend towards a back ofthe interior space(s) and are configured to each mount to a ladder ofthe plurality of ladders 104 that may be similar to first right ladder108 a or second right ladder 108 b. First right brace hook 212, firstleft brace hook 218, second right brace hook 312, and second left bracehook 318 may provide an electrical connection through first right braceplate 210, first left brace plate 216, second right brace plate 310, andsecond left brace plate 316. For example, first right brace plate 210may be formed of an electrically conductive material that has beencoated with a non-conductive or insulating material except where anelectrical connection is desired. For example, a portion of first rightbrace hook 212 may not be coated with the non-conductive material wherecontact is made with the ladder or the ladder connector.

Referring to FIG. 7, a back right side view of first front trim assembly208 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring toFIG. 8, a zoomed back right side view of first front trim assembly 208is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring toFIG. 9, a front right side view of first front trim assembly 208 isshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG.10, a back right side view of first front trim assembly 208 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, azoomed back right side view of first front trim assembly 208 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12A, aright side view of first front trim assembly 208 is shown in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12B, a right sideview of first front trim assembly 208 is shown with a right end capassembly 700 and a left end cap assembly 800 removed in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. First front trim assembly 208 may includeright end cap assembly 700, left end cap assembly 800, a reflective wall702, a light assembly 1216, and a front trim 900.

Front trim 900 may include a top wall 1200, a planed wall 1202, a frontwall 1204, a trim back wall 1000, a trim shelf support wall 902, a firstL-shaped notch 1206, a second L-shaped notch 1208, a third L-shapednotch 1210, and a support shelf 1212. Top wall 1200 may be horizontalwhen mounted in the interior space. Planed wall 1202 extends downwardsfrom top wall 1200 towards a front of the interior space. Front wall1204 extends vertically downward from planed wall 1202.

Trim back wall 1000 extends vertically downward from top wall 1200opposite planed wall 1202. Trim shelf support wall 902 extendshorizontally from trim back wall 1000 towards a back of the interiorspace. In an illustrative embodiment, a front edge of first shelfsupport plate 202 is supported on trim shelf support wall 902 adjacenttrim back wall 1000.

First L-shaped notch 1206 is formed on a back surface of planed wall1202. First L-shaped notch 1206 forms a right angle with an edge that isperpendicular to planed wall 1202 and an edge that is parallel to planedwall 1202. Second L-shaped notch 1208 extends from the edge of firstL-shaped notch 1206 that is parallel to planed wall 1202. SecondL-shaped notch 1208 is formed on a bottom surface of top wall 1200 and aback surface of trim back wall 1000. Second L-shaped notch 1208 forms aright angle with an edge that is parallel to top wall 1200 and an edgethat is parallel to trim back wall 1000. Third L-shaped notch 1210extends from the edge of second L-shaped notch 1208 that is parallel totrim back wall 1000. Third L-shaped notch 1210 is formed on a backsurface of trim back wall 1000 and of trim shelf support wall 902. ThirdL-shaped notch 1210 forms a right angle with an edge that isperpendicular to planed wall 1202 and an edge that is parallel to planedwall 1202. Support shelf 1212 extends generally perpendicularly from theedge of third L-shaped notch 1210 that is parallel to planed wall 1202.Support shelf 1212 includes a surface that extends parallel to planedwall 1202 in a direction away from the edge of third L-shaped notch 1210that is perpendicular to planed wall 1202.

First L-shaped notch 1206, second L-shaped notch 1208, third L-shapednotch 1210, and support shelf 1212 define an aperture within which lightassembly 1216 is mounted to front trim 900. A first right tab aperturewall 1002 and a first left tab aperture wall 1004 may be formed in trimback wall 1000 to hold right end cap assembly 700 and left end capassembly 800 in position within first L-shaped notch 1206, secondL-shaped notch 1208, third L-shaped notch 1210, and support shelf 1212.An adhesive notch 1006 may be formed in trim back wall 1000 as a conduitwithin which excess adhesive is captured when first shelf support plate202 is mounted to front trim 900.

To simplify the description of front trim 900, top wall 1200, planedwall 1202, front wall 1204, trim back wall 1000, trim shelf support wall902, first L-shaped notch 1206, second L-shaped notch 1208, thirdL-shaped notch 1210, and support shelf 1212 have been described asdistinct elements though in an illustrative embodiment, front trim 900,top wall 1200, planed wall 1202, front wall 1204, trim back wall 1000,trim shelf support wall 902, first L-shaped notch 1206, second L-shapednotch 1208, third L-shaped notch 1210, and support shelf 1212 form asingle structure. For example, the components of front trim 900 may beformed of metal or plastic through a molding process such as anextrusion process to define the shape described. Other shapes may beused in alternative embodiments.

Reflective wall 702 may extend from the edge of first L-shaped notch1206 that is perpendicular to planed wall 1202 and from a back surfaceof planed wall 1202. Reflective wall 702 may form a concave reflectivesurface positioned, shaped, and formed of a material configured toreflect light from an array of lights 1218 included as part of lightassembly 1216. Reflective wall 702 may be a distinct element mounted tofront trim 900 or may be formed as part of front trim 900. FirstL-shaped notch 1206, third L-shaped notch 1210, support shelf 1212, andreflective wall 702 define an aperture within which right end capassembly 700 and left end cap assembly 800 are mounted to front trim900.

Right end cap assembly 700 and left end cap assembly 800 are positionedon opposite sides of light assembly 1216 to provide power to the arrayof lights 1218 from first right hook 210 through first right brace plate210 to right shelf electrical connector 502 of first right brace 204 andfrom first left hook 212 through first right brace plate 210 to rightshelf electrical connector 502 of first left brace 206, respectively.Right end cap assembly 700 and left end cap assembly 800 are sized andshaped to be inserted within the aperture formed by first L-shaped notch1206, third L-shaped notch 1210, support shelf 1212, and reflective wall702.

Light assembly 1216 may include the array of lights 1218, a light board1220, and a light housing 1222. The array of lights 1218 include aplurality of lights arrange in a linear array that extends along atleast a portion of the edge of third L-shaped notch 1210 that isperpendicular to planed wall 1202 and is opposite reflective wall 702though other arrangements may be used in alternative embodiments. Theplurality of lights may be a plurality of light emitting diodes thoughother types of lights may be used in alternative embodiments. A singlelight further may be used in alternative embodiments instead of thearray of lights 1218.

The array of lights 1218 are mounted to light board 1220 that providesthe electrical connection to each light as well as a mounting surfacefor the array of lights 1218, for example, as shown in FIG. 16. Lightboard 1220 is mounted within light housing 1222.

Light housing 1222 may include a dome shaped cover 1224, a body 1226, anarm 1228, and an end cap 1724 (shown referring to FIG. 17). Arm 1228protrudes from body 1226 and is shaped and sized to be inserted withinthe aperture formed by third L-shaped notch 1210 and support shelf 1212.Body 1226 is generally rectangular in shape and sized to be insertedwithin the aperture formed by first L-shaped notch 1206, third L-shapednotch 1210, and support shelf 1212. Dome shaped cover 1224 includes aconvex wall that extends between the edge of first L-shaped notch 1206that is perpendicular to planed wall 1202 and support shelf 1212 and isopposite an edge of body 1226 that extends parallel to the edge of thirdL-shaped notch that is perpendicular to planed wall 1202. Body 1226 maybe open to allow light from the array of lights 1218 to be emittedthrough dome shaped cover 1224 towards reflective wall 702. End cap 1724covers an end of light housing 1222 positioned opposite an exterior edge1322 of light housing 1222. Right end cap assembly 700 is mountedadjacent exterior edge 1322 of light housing 1222 to allow electricalconnection to light board 1220. In an illustrative embodiment, right endcap assembly 700 is sonic welded to exterior edge 1322 of light housing1222.

Referring to FIG. 13, a zoomed back right side view of right end capassembly 700 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Right end cap assembly 700 may include a first right end cap housing1300 a and electrical components that power the array of lights 1218.The electrical components that power the array of lights 1218 are housedin first right end cap housing 1300 a.

Referring to FIG. 19, a back perspective view of first right end caphousing 1300 a is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.First right end cap housing 1300 a may include a first right connectoraperture wall 1100, an exterior side wall 1102, a back, bottom wall1104, a right end cap interior wall 1302, a right end cap top wall 1303,a trim wall 1902, an interior side wall 1904, an extension wall 1906, aright tab housing 1305, a right mounting tab 1306, and a right notchwall 1900. Exterior side wall 1102, back, bottom wall 1104, right endcap top wall 1303, trim wall 1902, and interior side wall 1904 form ahousing that is open opposite trim wall 1902. When first right end caphousing 1300 a is mounted to front trim 900, first right end cap housing1300 a is open adjacent the edge of third L-shaped notch 1210 that isperpendicular to planed wall 1202. Trim wall 1902 follows reflectivewall 702. Back, bottom wall 1104 extends across an opening of front trim900 between reflective wall 702 and support shelf 121. Right end cap topwall 1303 extends parallel to and adjacent the edge of first L-shapednotch 1206 that is parallel to planed wall 1202 when first right end caphousing 1300 a is mounted to front trim 900. Similar to arm 1228 thatprotrudes from body 1226, a housing arm 1230 is shaped and sized to beinserted within the aperture formed by third L-shaped notch 1210 andsupport shelf 1212.

Extension wall 1906 extends from an exterior surface 1106 of interiorside wall 1904 in a direction opposite right end cap interior wall 1302.Extension wall 1906 has a concave shape configured to accommodate domeshaped cover 1224 of light housing 1222. Exterior surface 1106 ofinterior side wall 1904 has a shape selected for at least partialabutment with exterior edge 1322 of light housing 1222.

First right connector aperture wall 1100 forms an aperture through back,bottom wall 1104. Right end cap interior wall 1302 divides an interiorof first right end cap housing 1300 a into two sections. Right notchwall 1900 supports right end cap interior wall 1302 on back, bottom wall1104, but does not extend a full length of right end cap interior wall1302 so that a gap is formed between a portion of right end cap interiorwall 1302 and back, bottom wall 1104.

Right tab housing 1305 is mounted between right end cap interior wall1302 and interior side wall 1904. Right mounting tab 1306 may include aright tab arm 1308 and a right tab head 1310. Right tab arm 1308 extendsfrom an edge of right tab housing 1305 adjacent right end cap interiorwall 1302 though right tab arm 1308 could extend from any other wall ofright tab housing 1305 or of first right end cap housing 1300 a. Righttab head 1310 is formed at an end of right tab arm 1308 opposite theedge of right tab housing 1305 adjacent right end cap interior wall1302. Right mounting tab 1306 extends away from right tab housing 1305towards the edge of third L-shaped notch 1210 that is perpendicular toplaned wall 1202 when first right end cap housing 1300 a is mounted tofront trim 900. Right tab head 1310 generally has a bulb shape thatextends beyond right tab arm 1308 towards the edge of third L-shapednotch 1210 that is perpendicular to planed wall 1202 when first rightend cap housing 1300 a is mounted to front trim 900.

To mount first right end cap housing 1300 a to front trim 900, right endcap housing 1300 a is slid within the aperture formed by first L-shapednotch 1206, third L-shaped notch 1210, support shelf 1212, andreflective wall 702 until right tab head 1310 “clicks into” first righttab aperture wall 1002 to hold first right end cap housing 1300 a in aproper position relative to front trim 900. First right end cap housing1300 a may further be mounted to front trim 900, for example, withscrews, rivets, glue, etc. In alternative embodiments, first right endcap housing 1300 a may be mounted to front trim 900 in other mannersthan those shown.

Referring to FIG. 17, a zoomed back perspective view of a left end caphousing 1700 a is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 18, a zoomed top perspective view of left end caphousing 1700 a is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Left end cap housing 1700 a may have a similar size and shape relativeto first right end cap housing 1300 a though left end cap housing 1700 amay be a mirror image of first right end cap housing 1300 a. Left endcap housing 1700 a may include a left end cap interior wall 1702, a leftend cap top wall 1703, a first left connector aperture wall 1704, a lefttab housing 1705, a left mounting tab 1706, a bottom wall 1710, anexterior side wall 1712, an interior side wall 1714, a trim wall 1716, atab housing support wall 1726, and a left notch wall (not shown).Similar to right mounting tab 1306, left mounting tab 1706 may include aleft tab arm 1718 and a left tab head 1720. In the illustrativeembodiment, left end cap housing 1700 a is a mirror image of first rightend cap housing 1300 a except that interior side wall 1714 has a shapethat is the same as exterior side wall 1712, and left end cap housing1700 a includes tab housing support wall 1726 that extends up frombottom wall 1710 to a lower surface of left tab housing 1705 to supportleft tab housing 1705. An exterior surface 1728 of interior side wall1714 faces end cap 1724 of light housing 1222.

Referring to FIG. 14, a zoomed top perspective view of the electricalcomponents of light assembly 1216 are shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 15, an exploded bottomperspective view of the electrical components of light assembly 1216 areshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The electricalcomponents that power the array of lights 1218 may include a firstelectrical connector 1304 housed in first right end cap housing 1300, arectifier board 1312, a rectifier 1314, a first wire 1316, a second wire1318, a connecting wire 1214, and a left electrical connector 1304 ahoused in first left end cap housing 1700 a.

Referring to FIG. 20, a back perspective view of first electricalconnector 1304 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.In the illustrative embodiment, first electrical connector 1304 isidentical to left electrical connector 1304 a though left electricalconnector 1304 a is rotated 180 degrees relative to first electricalconnector 1304 when both are mounted to front trim 900. First electricalconnector 1304 may include a first flex connector 1402, a spring 1404,connector notches 1406, a connector plate 1408, and a prong connector1410. First flex connector 1402 has a narrowed prong shape that extendsvertically above the opening formed by first right connector aperturewall 1100 in back, bottom wall 1104 and by first left connector aperturewall 1704 in bottom wall 1710. Spring 1404 extends between first flexconnector 1402 and connector plate 1408. Spring 1404 forms a verticaltriangular shape with an opening facing back, bottom wall 1104. Spring1404 is sized and shaped to allow first electrical connector 1304 tocompress to fit within a first space between exterior side wall 1102 andright end cap interior wall 1302 of first right end cap housing 1300 a,and/or to allow left electrical connector 1304 a to compress to fitwithin a first space between exterior side wall 1712 and right end capinterior wall 1702 of first left end cap housing 1700 a. Connectornotches 1406 are formed in connector plate 1408 as horizontal notchesthat can be inserted to generally abut right notch wall 1900 to properlyalign first electrical connector 1304 and/or left electrical connector1304 a within first right end cap housing 1300 a and first left end caphousing 1700 a, respectively. Prong connector 1410 includes a pair ofprong shaped connectors that extend from an end of connector plate 1408opposite spring 1404.

As shown referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the non-coated portion of rightshelf electrical connector 502 of first right brace 204 makes electricalcontact with first flex connector 1402 of first electrical connector1304 by insertion through first right connector aperture wall 1100 andinto the narrowed prong formed by first flex connector 1402. First flexconnector 1402 is sized and formed of a material to deform to acceptright shelf electrical connector 502 while maintaining a connection withright shelf electrical connector 502. The non-coated portion of rightshelf electrical connector 502 of first left brace 206 makes electricalcontact with first flex connector 1402 of left electrical connector 1304a by insertion through first left connector aperture wall 1704 and intothe narrowed prong formed by first flex connector 1402. First electricalconnector 1304 and left electrical connector 1304 a are formed ofelectrically conductive material such as a metal; whereas, first rightend cap housing 1300 a and first left end cap housing 1700 a are formedof electrically insulative material such as a plastic polymer.

For illustration, rectifier 1314 may be implemented as a diode bridgethat provides the same polarity of output to the array of lights 1218for either polarity of input from right shelf electrical connector 502of first right brace 204 or from right shelf electrical connector 502 offirst left brace 206. Referring to FIG. 21, a back perspective view ofrectifier board 1312 is shown in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Rectifier board 1312 may include a power connector 2100, aconnector plate 2102, rectifier connectors 2104, a negative connector2106, a positive connector 2108, and an input connector 2110. Powerconnector 2100 extends from plate 2102 and connects to prong connector1410 of first electrical connector 1304 by insertion within the prongsabove connector plate 1408. Rectifier connectors 2104, negativeconnector 2106, positive connector 2108, and input connector 2110 areformed as electrical contacts on plate 2102.

Rectifier 1314 is electrically connected and mounted to rectifier board1312 through rectifier connectors 2104. Rectifier 1314 may be afour-terminal component that includes four diodes connected in a bridgeconfiguration and may be selected to provide an appropriatevoltage/current rating based on the voltage/current received from rightshelf electrical connector 502 of first right brace 204 or from rightshelf electrical connector 502 of first left brace 206 and provided tothe array of lights 1218. The voltage/current may be alternating currentor direct current.

Connecting wire 1214 extends between right end cap assembly 700 and leftend cap assembly 800 to provide power to the array of lights 1218.Connecting wire 1214 may be mounted to extend along second L-shapednotch 1208 of front trim 900. Though not shown, connecting wire 1214connects first electrical connector 1304 to left electrical connector1304 a so that power can be provided to either or both of right shelfelectrical connector 502 of first right brace 204 or of right shelfelectrical connector 502 of first left brace 206 under control ofrectifier 1314. For example, in the illustrative embodiment, a first end1722 of connecting wire 1214 connects to prong connector 1410 of leftelectrical connector 1304 a, and a second end 1320 of connecting wire1214 connects to input connector 2110 of rectifier board 1312, forexample, by soldering. Though not shown, negative connector 2106 mayconnect to first wire 1316 and positive connector 2108 may connect tosecond wire 1318, for example, by soldering. First wire 1316 and secondwire 1318 are connected to light board 1220 to provide power to thearray of lights 1218.

To assemble first front trim assembly 208, the respective electricalcomponents may be mounted to first right end cap housing 1300 a and toleft end cap housing 1700 a. The components of light assembly 1216 mayfurther be mounted to each other. First right end cap housing 1300 a andlight assembly 1216 may be mounted to each other using various methodssuch as sonic welding, adhesive, fasteners, etc. with first wire 1316and second wire 1318 connected to light board 1220 of light assembly1216. Left end cap housing 1700 a may further be connected to firstright end cap housing 1300 a and light assembly 1216 by connecting wire1214. First right end cap housing 1300 a, light assembly 1216, and leftend cap housing 1700 a may be slid within the aperture formed by firstL-shaped notch 1206, third L-shaped notch 1210, support shelf 1212, andreflective wall 702 until right tab head 1310 “clicks into” first righttab aperture wall 1002 as described previously, and left tab head 1720“clicks into” first left tab aperture wall 1004. Dome shaped cover 1224fits within extension wall 1906 of first right end cap housing 1300 a.In an alternative embodiment, first right end cap housing 1300 a may beswapped with left end cap housing 1700 a.

Due to heating and cooling variations, first right end cap housing 1300a and/or light housing 1222 may move along front trim 900 within theaperture formed by first L-shaped notch 1206, third L-shaped notch 1210,and support shelf 1212 toward or away from exterior surface 1728 ofinterior side wall 1714 of left end cap housing 1700 a because exterioredge 1322 of light housing 1222 is fixed in place. The rate of expansionand contraction of various materials may be different. For example, theexpansion of plastic is different from that of aluminum. To avoidstresses on the electrical components of first front trim assembly 208,left end cap housing 1700 a is mounted to front trim 900 with anexpansion gap 1708 selected to have a minimum length that absorbsassembly and manufacturing tolerances associated with the electricalcontact between right shelf electrical connector 502 of first rightbrace 204 and first flex connector 1402 of first electrical connector1304 and the electrical contact between right shelf electrical connector502 of first left brace 206 and first flex connector 1402 of leftelectrical connector 1304 a. For example, the tolerances may include aworst-case length tolerance of one or more of the components of firstfront trim assembly 208. Inclusion of expansion gap 1708 in the assemblyprocess of first front trim assembly 208 removes or greatly reduces aninfluence of thermal expansion/contraction on the electrical componentsof first front trim assembly 208 thereby avoiding electrical failure ordegradation and providing increased reliability of light assembly 1216.Compression/decompression of spring 1404 of first electrical connector1304 and of spring 1404 of left electrical connector 1304 a furtherreduces thermal expansion/contraction effects on the electricalcomponents of first front trim assembly 208 when first shelf 200 ismounted on first right brace 204 and first left brace 206 to providepower to light assembly 216.

Referring to FIG. 23, a back right side perspective view of second shelf300 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring toFIG. 24, a right side view of second shelf 300 is shown in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. Similar to first front trim assembly208, second front trim assembly 308 may include a second right end capassembly 2300, a second left end cap assembly 2302, reflective wall 702,light assembly 1216, and front trim 900. A first fastener 2304 may beinserted in first right front aperture wall 600; a second fastener 2306may be inserted in second right front aperture wall 602; a thirdfastener 2308 may be inserted in right top aperture wall 604; and afourth fastener 2310 may be inserted in right bottom aperture wall 606to mount second right brace 304 to second shelf support plate 302 asdiscussed further below. Similarly, a fifth fastener 4500 (shownreferring to FIG. 45B) may be inserted in first left front aperture wall4508; a sixth fastener 4502 (shown referring to FIG. 45B) may beinserted in second left front aperture wall 4509; a seventh fastener4504 (shown referring to FIG. 45B) may be inserted in left top aperturewall 4510; and an eighth fastener 4506 (shown referring to FIG. 45B) maybe inserted in left bottom aperture wall 4512 to mount second left brace306 to second shelf support plate 302.

Referring to FIG. 25, a back right side view of second front trimassembly 308 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 26, a zoomed back right side view of second front trimassembly 308 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 27, a right side view of second front trim assembly308 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A firstright fastener device 2304 and a second right fastener device 2306 maybe inserted into first brace aperture wall 600 and second brace aperturewall 602 of second right brace 304, respectively, to mount second shelf300 to second right brace 304. Though not shown, second shelf 300 may besimilarly mounted to second left brace 306.

Second right end cap assembly 2300 may be similar to right end capassembly 700 and may include a second right end cap housing 1300 b andelectrical components that power the array of lights 1218. Referring toFIG. 28, a zoomed back right side view of second right end cap housing1300 b and light assembly 1216 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 34, a back perspective viewof second right end cap housing 1300 b is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

Second right end cap housing 1300 b may be similar to first right endcap housing 1300 a and may include exterior side wall 1102, back, bottomwall 1104, right end cap interior wall 1302, right end cap top wall1303, trim wall 1902, interior side wall 1904, extension wall 1906,right tab housing 1305, right mounting tab 1306, a second rightconnector aperture wall 2600, and right notch wall 1900. Instead offirst right connector aperture wall 1100 formed through back, bottomwall 1104, second right end cap housing 1300 b includes second rightconnector aperture wall 2600 formed through exterior side wall 1102.When second right end cap assembly 2302 is mounted to front trim 900,first right fastener device 2304 may be inserted through first braceaperture wall 600 of second right brace 304 and through second rightconnector aperture wall 2600.

Referring to FIG. 29, a zoomed top perspective view of second left endcap assembly 2302 and light assembly 1216 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 30, a zoomed back perspectiveview of second left end cap assembly 2302 and light assembly 1216 isshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Second left end capassembly 2302 may be similar to left end cap assembly 800 and mayinclude a second left end cap housing 1700 b and electrical componentsthat power the array of lights 1218. Second left end cap housing 1700 bmay be similar to first left end cap housing 1700 a and may include leftend cap interior wall 1702, left end cap top wall 1703, a second leftconnector aperture wall 2900, left tab housing 1705, left mounting tab1706, bottom wall 1710, exterior side wall 1712, interior side wall1714, trim wall 1716, tab housing support wall 1726, and a left notchwall (not shown). Instead of first left connector aperture wall 1704formed through bottom wall 1710, second left end cap housing 1700 bincludes second left connector aperture wall 2900 formed throughexterior side wall 1712. When second left end cap assembly 2302 ismounted to front trim 900, first right fastener device 2304 may beinserted through first brace aperture wall 600 of second left brace 306and through second left connector aperture wall 2900.

Referring to FIG. 31, a zoomed back perspective view of the electricalcomponents of second front trim assembly 308 are shown in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment. The electrical components that powerthe array of lights 1218 of second front trim assembly 308 may besimilar to the electrical components that power the array of lights 1218of first front trim assembly 208. The electrical components that powerthe array of lights 1218 of second front trim assembly 308 may include asecond electrical connector 2800 housed in second right end cap housing1300 b, rectifier board 1312, rectifier 1314, first wire 1316, secondwire 1318, connecting wire 1214, and a second left electrical connector2800 a housed in second left end cap housing 1700 b.

Referring to FIG. 32, a back perspective view of second electricalconnector 2800 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Similar to first electrical connector 1304, second electrical connector2800 may include a second flex connector 2602, connector notches 1406,connector plate 1408, and prong connector 1410. Second flex connector2602 is mounted to extend from connector plate 1408 in a directionopposite prong connector 1410. Second flex connector 2602 has a prongshape that extends horizontally to cover the opening formed by secondright connector aperture wall 2600 formed through exterior side wall1102 and by second left connector aperture wall 2900 formed throughexterior side wall 1712.

Referring to FIG. 33, a back right perspective view of second right endcap assembly 2300 and of light assembly 1216 is shown in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, first rightfastener device 2304 is a screw with a head 3300 and a shaft 3302 thatmay be threaded. A non-coated portion of first right fastener device2304 may be inserted through first brace aperture wall 600 of secondright brace 304 and through second right connector aperture wall 2600formed through exterior side wall 1102. For example, shaft 3302 makeselectrical contact with a non-coated portion of second right brace 304and with second flex connector 2602 of second electrical connector 2800by insertion into the prong formed by second flex connector 2602. Secondflex connector 2602 is sized and formed of a material to deform toaccept shaft 3302 while maintaining a connection with shaft 3302. Thenon-coated portion of first right fastener device 2304 of second leftbrace 306 similarly makes electrical contact with second flex connector2602 of second left electrical connector 2800 a. Second electricalconnector 2800 and second left electrical connector 2800 a are formed ofelectrically conductive material such as a metal; whereas, second rightend cap housing 1300 b and second left end cap housing 1700 b are formedof electrically insulative material such as a plastic polymer.

Referring to FIG. 35, a zoomed back right side view of second front trimassembly 308 is shown with a third electrical connector 3500 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 36, azoomed top perspective view of electrical components of second fronttrim assembly 308 with third electrical connector 3500 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 37, a backperspective view of third electrical connector 3500 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 38, azoomed back perspective view of second left end cap assembly 2302 withthird electrical connector 3500 and light assembly 1216 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Similar to second electrical connector 2800, third electrical connector3500 may include a third flex connector 3502, connector notches 1406,connector plate 1408, and prong connector 1410. Third flex connector3502 forms a U-shaped tab that extends horizontally from connector plate1408 in a direction opposite prong connector 1410. Third flex connector3502 includes an upward extending wall 3504 mounted to connector plate1408, a plateau wall 3506, and a downward extending contact wall 3508.Downward extending contact wall 3508 is positioned in front of theopening formed by second right connector aperture wall 2600 formedthrough exterior side wall 1102 and by second left connector aperturewall 2900 formed through exterior side wall 1712.

Referring to FIG. 39, a back right perspective view of second right endcap assembly 2300 with third electrical connector 3500 and of lightassembly 1216 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Anon-coated portion of first right fastener device 2304 may be insertedthrough first brace aperture wall 600 of second right brace 304 andthrough second right connector aperture wall 2600 formed throughexterior side wall 1102. For example, shaft 3302 makes electricalcontact with a non-coated portion of second right brace 304 and withdownward extending contact wall 3508 of third electrical connector 3500.Third flex connector 3502 is sized and formed of a material to deformwhen shaft 3302 is pressed against downward extending contact wall 3508while maintaining contact with shaft 3302. The non-coated portion offirst right fastener device 2304 of second left brace 306 similarlymakes electrical contact with third flex connector 3502 of a third leftelectrical connector 3500 a. Third electrical connector 3500 and thirdleft electrical connector 3500 a are formed of electrically conductivematerial such as a metal.

Referring to FIG. 40 depicts a back, right side view of first rightbrace 204 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 41, a front right side view of first right brace 204is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring toFIG. 42, a right side view of first right brace 204 is shown zoomed toshow a hook of the right brace in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. First right brace hook 212 may include an exterior edgesurface 4000, a top hook surface 4002, and a bottom hook surface 4004.Exterior edge surface 4000 extends downward in a generally perpendiculardirection from top hook surface 4002 and upward in a generallyperpendicular direction from bottom hook surface 4004. All or a portionof exterior edge surface 4000 may contact first right ladder 108 aand/or second right ladder 108 b or the ladder connector depending onthe embodiment to provide an electrical current to first right brace204. Exterior edge surface 4000 may include various features to supportconnectivity to first right ladder 108 a and/or second right ladder 108b or the ladder connector to provide a stable support of first shelf 200or second shelf 300. For illustration, U.S. Patent Publication Number2019/0211627 describes an illustrative structure for exterior edgesurface 4000.

First right transition wall 214 may include a plurality of seams betweenfirst right brace plate 210 and first right brace hook 212. For example,first right transition wall 214 may include a first seam 4100, a secondseam 4102, a third seam 4104, and a fourth seam 4106 that extend betweena top surface 4108 and a bottom surface 4110 of first right transitionwall 214. First seam 4100, second seam 4102, third seam 4104, and fourthseam 4106 extend downward in a generally perpendicular direction fromtop surface 4108 and upward in a generally perpendicular direction frombottom surface 4110.

The electrical current is provided to first right brace 204 throughelectrical contact with first right ladder 108 a and/or second rightladder 108 b or the ladder connector. The electrical contact may bedirect due to physical contact or wirelessly. An exterior surface offirst right brace 204 may be coated with electrically insulatingmaterial except on various surfaces of first right transition wall 214and/or on first right brace hook 212. For example, the exterior surfaceof first right brace 204 may be coated with the electrically insulatingmaterial except on exterior edge surface 4000. As another option, theexterior surface of first right brace 204 may be coated with theelectrically insulating material except on exterior edge surface 4000and right of any of first seam 4100, second seam 4102, third seam 4104,and fourth seam 4106. As still another option, the exterior surface offirst right brace 204 may be coated with the electrically insulatingmaterial except on exterior edge surface 4000 and right of where firstright transition wall 214 extends from first right brace plate 210 thatis identified by a first line 4200. As yet still another option, theexterior surface of first right brace 204 may be coated with theelectrically insulating material except on exterior edge surface 4000and right of where exterior edge surface 4000 extends closest to firstright transition wall 214. Other locations further may be defined tosimplify manufacture of first right brace 204.

First left brace 204, first right brace 204, and left brace 204 may besimilarly coated with electrically insulating material. As discussedpreviously, right shelf electrical connector 502 and left shelfelectrical connector 802 may also not be coated with electricallyinsulating material to provide the electrical current to light assembly1216 or any other object connected to right shelf electrical connector502 and/or left shelf electrical connector 802. The electrical currentmay provide DC power, AC power, or an electrical signal to the objectconnected to right shelf electrical connector 502 and left shelfelectrical connector 802.

Referring to FIG. 43, a back, bottom view of second shelf 300 is shownin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 44, abottom view of second shelf 300 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 45A, an exploded front viewof a right side of second shelf 300 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 45B, an exploded front viewof a left side of second shelf 300 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Second shelf 300 further may include a front,right insulator 4300, a front, left insulator 4302, a back, rightinsulator 4304, and a back, left insulator 4306. Front, right insulator4300, front, left insulator 4302, back, right insulator 4304, and back,left insulator 4306 avoid conduction of the electrical current on othercomponents of second shelf 300 while supporting conduction of theelectrical current to light assembly 1216 or any other object connectedto first fastener 2304. The electrical current may provide DC power, ACpower, or an electrical signal to the object connected to first fastener2304.

Referring to FIG. 46, a left side view of second shelf support plate 302is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring toFIG. 47, a left, bottom view of second shelf support plate 302 is shownin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Second shelf supportplate 302 may include the plurality of wires 4600, a front trim bracket4602, a back bracket 2312, and a support wire 4604. The plurality ofwires 4600 are parallel and extend between front trim bracket 4602 andback bracket 2312 to form a wire frame to support items placed on secondshelf 300. Support wire 4604 is mounted below the plurality of wires4600 near a midpoint between front trim bracket 4602 and back bracket2312 to provide additional strength and rigidity to support items placedon second shelf support plate 302. Front trim bracket 4602 extends belowa front edge of the plurality of wires 4600 and is shaped and sized toalign with a portion of second front trim assembly 308. For example,front trim bracket 4602 has a sideways s-shape. Front trim bracket 4602may include a first trim aperture wall 4700, a second trim aperture wall4702, a third trim aperture wall 4704, and a fourth trim aperture wall4706 formed through a top surface 4606 of front trim bracket 4602. Inthe illustrative embodiment, first trim aperture wall 4700 and secondtrim aperture wall 4702 are located adjacent a right edge of front trimbracket 4602, and third trim aperture wall 4704 and fourth trim aperturewall 4706 are located adjacent a left edge of front trim bracket 4602.Front trim bracket 4602 may include a fewer or a greater number ofaperture walls.

Back bracket 2312 extends from a back edge of the plurality of wires4600. In the illustrative embodiment, back bracket 2312 has an s-shape.Back bracket 2312 may include a first bracket aperture wall 4708, asecond bracket aperture wall 4710, a third bracket aperture wall 4712,and a fourth bracket aperture wall 4714. In the illustrative embodiment,first bracket aperture wall 4708 and second bracket aperture wall 4710are located adjacent a right edge of back bracket 2312, and thirdbracket aperture wall 4712 and fourth bracket aperture wall 4714 arelocated adjacent a left edge of back bracket 2312. Back bracket 2312 mayinclude a fewer or a greater number of aperture walls.

The plurality of wires 4600 may be welded to front trim bracket 4602 andback bracket 2312. Support wire 4604 further may be welded to theplurality of wires 4600.

A ninth fastener 2314 may be inserted in first bracket aperture wall4708, and a tenth fastener 2316 may be inserted in second bracketaperture wall 4710 to mount back, right insulator 4304 to second shelfsupport plate 302. An eleventh fastener 2318 may be inserted in thirdbracket aperture wall 4712, and a twelfth fastener 2320 may be insertedin fourth bracket aperture wall 4714 to mount back, left insulator 4306to second shelf support plate 302.

A thirteenth fastener 4308 may be inserted in first trim aperture wall4700, and a fourteenth fastener 4310 may be inserted in second trimaperture wall 4702 to mount front, right insulator 4300 to second shelfsupport plate 302. A fifteenth fastener 4312 may be inserted in thirdtrim aperture wall 4704, and a sixteenth fastener 4314 may be insertedin fourth trim aperture wall 4706 to mount front, left insulator 4302 tosecond shelf support plate 302.

Referring to FIG. 48, a zoomed back view of a front, right side ofsecond front trim assembly 308 is shown in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 49, a zoomed bottom view ofthe front, right side of second front trim assembly 308 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referring to FIG. 50, azoomed bottom, left view of the front, right side of second front trimassembly 308 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 51, a zoomed bottom view of the front, right side ofsecond front trim assembly 308 is shown with front, right insulator 4300and second right end cap assembly 2300 transparent in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 52, a back, left side view of front, right insulator4300 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referringto FIG. 53, a back, right side view of front, right insulator 4300 isshown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Front, leftinsulator 4302 may be a mirror image of front, right insulator 4300.Front, right insulator 4300 and front, left insulator 4302 are formed atleast partially of an electrically insulating material. Front, rightinsulator 4300 and front, left insulator 4302 connect between secondright brace 304 and second right end cap assembly 2300 and betweensecond left brace 306 and second left end cap assembly 2302,respectively.

Front, right insulator 4300 may include a first wall 5200 and a secondwall 5202. Second wall 5202 extends in a generally perpendiculardirection from first wall 5200. A first insulator aperture wall 5204 anda second insulator aperture wall 5206 are formed in first wall 5200.First wall 5200 may include a fewer or a greater number of aperturewalls. A third insulator aperture wall 5208 and a fourth insulatoraperture wall 5210 are formed in second wall 5202. Second wall 5202 mayinclude a fewer or a greater number of aperture walls. First insulatoraperture wall 5204, second insulator aperture wall 5206, third insulatoraperture wall 5208, and fourth insulator aperture wall 5210 may be atleast partially threaded. Alternatively, threaded nuts may be insertedinto first insulator aperture wall 5204, second insulator aperture wall5206, third insulator aperture wall 5208, and/or fourth insulatoraperture wall 5210.

In the illustrative embodiment, first insulator aperture wall 5204 andsecond insulator aperture wall 5206 extend from first wall 5200 in adirection of insertion of a shaft of thirteenth fastener 4308 and offourteenth fastener 4310, respectively. In the illustrative embodiment,third insulator aperture wall 5208 and fourth insulator aperture wall5210 extend from second wall 5202 in a direction that is opposite to thedirection of insertion of shaft 3302 of first fastener 2304 and ofsecond fastener 2306, respectively. Shaft 3302 of first fastener 2304 isinserted into first right front aperture wall 600, third insulatoraperture wall 5208, and second right connector aperture wall 2600, whichare aligned, to contact second flex connector 2602 or third flexconnector 3502 and provide the electrical current from first rightladder 108 a and/or second right ladder 108 b or the ladder connectorthrough second right brace 304. Second left brace 306 can be similarlyconfigured.

Referring to FIG. 54, a zoomed back, left view of a back, left area ofsecond shelf 300 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.Referring to FIG. 55, a zoomed front, right view of the back, left areaof second shelf 300 is shown in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Referring to FIG. 56, a zoomed front, right view of theback, left area of second shelf 300 is shown with back, left insulator4306 transparent in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 57, a front, right side view of back, left insulator4306 is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Referringto FIG. 58, a left side view of back, left insulator 4306 is shown inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Back, left insulator 4306may be a mirror image of back, right insulator 4304. Back, rightinsulator 4304 and back, left insulator 4306 are formed at leastpartially of an electrically insulating material.

Back, right insulator 4304 may include a third wall 5700 and a fourthwall 5702. Fourth wall 5702 extends in a generally perpendiculardirection from third wall 5700. A first insulator aperture wall 5704 anda second insulator aperture wall 5706 are formed in third wall 5700.Third wall 5700 may include a fewer or a greater number of aperturewalls. A third insulator aperture wall 5708 and a fourth insulatoraperture wall 5710 are formed in fourth wall 5702. Fourth wall 5702 mayinclude a fewer or a greater number of aperture walls. First insulatoraperture wall 5704, second insulator aperture wall 5706, third insulatoraperture wall 5708, and fourth insulator aperture wall 5710 may be atleast partially threaded. Alternatively, threaded nuts may be insertedinto first insulator aperture wall 5704, second insulator aperture wall5706, third insulator aperture wall 5708, and/or fourth insulatoraperture wall 5710.

In the illustrative embodiment, first insulator aperture wall 5704 andsecond insulator aperture wall 5706 extend from third wall 5700 in adirection of insertion of a shaft of eleventh fastener 2318 and oftwelfth fastener 2320, respectively. In the illustrative embodiment,third insulator aperture wall 5708 and fourth insulator aperture wall5710 extend from fourth wall 5702 in a direction that is opposite to thedirection of insertion of the shaft of seventh fastener 4504 and ofeighth fastener 4506, respectively.

The components of first shelf 200 and of second shelf 300 can be used invarious combinations to provide electrical current to an object atvarious locations on first shelf 200 and on second shelf 300 whileavoiding undesired electrical current flow in other areas.

Use of directional terms, such as top, bottom, right, left, front, back,etc. are merely intended to facilitate reference to the various surfacesand elements of the described structures relative to the orientationsshown in the drawings and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.For consistency, the components of refrigerator 100 are labeled relativeto a front on which a door is mounted.

As used in this disclosure, the term “mount” includes join, unite,connect, couple, associate, insert, hang, hold, affix, attach, fasten,bind, paste, secure, bolt, screw, rivet, solder, weld, glue, adhere,form over, layer, and other like terms. The phrases “mounted on” and“mounted to” include any interior or exterior portion of the elementreferenced. These phrases also encompass direct mounting (in which thereferenced elements are in direct contact) and indirect mounting (inwhich the referenced elements are not in direct contact). Elementsreferenced as mounted to each other herein may further be integrallyformed together, for example, using a molding process as understood by aperson of skill in the art. As a result, elements described herein asbeing mounted to each other need not be discrete structural elements.

The word “illustrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example,instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes ofthis disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “oneor more”. Still further, using “and” or “or” in the detailed descriptionis intended to include “and/or” unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and ofdescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosed subject matter to the precise form disclosed, andmodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed subjectmatter. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explainthe principles of the disclosed subject matter and as practicalapplications of the disclosed subject matter to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the disclosed subject matter in various embodimentsand with various modifications as suited to the particular usecontemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf comprising: a shelf support plate formedat least partially of a first electrically conductive material, theshelf support plate including a first aperture wall formed through theshelf support plate; a first insulator formed at least partially of afirst electrically insulating material, the first insulator including asecond aperture wall and a third aperture wall; a first fastenerincluding a first shaft and a first head, the first fastener formed atleast partially of a second electrically conductive material; a secondfastener including a second shaft and a second head, the second fastenerformed at least partially of a third electrically conductive material;and a shelf brace formed at least partially of a fourth electricallyconductive material, the shelf brace including a brace plate, a shelfhook that extends from the brace plate, and a fourth aperture wall,wherein the shelf hook is configured to connect to an electricalconnector configured to provide an electrical current to the shelfbrace, wherein the fourth aperture wall is formed through the shelfbrace, wherein the first insulator is configured to mount between theshelf support plate and the shelf brace using the first shaft of thefirst fastener inserted into the first aperture wall and the secondaperture wall and the second shaft of the second fastener inserted intothe fourth aperture wall and the third aperture wall.
 2. The shelf ofclaim 1, wherein the shelf support plate comprises: a support plate; afront trim mounted to extend from a front edge of the support plate; anda back brace mounted to extend from a back edge of the support plate,wherein the shelf brace is mounted to a side of the support plate. 3.The shelf of claim 2, wherein the first insulator is mounted between theback brace and the shelf brace.
 4. The shelf of claim 2, wherein thefirst insulator is mounted between the front trim and the shelf brace.5. The shelf of claim 2, further comprising: a second insulator formedat least partially of a second electrically insulating material, thesecond insulator including a fifth aperture wall and a sixth aperturewall; a third fastener including a third shaft and a third head, thethird fastener formed at least partially of a fifth electricallyconductive material; and a fourth fastener including a fourth shaft anda fourth head, the first fastener formed at least partially of a sixthelectrically conductive material, wherein the shelf support plateincludes a seventh aperture wall formed through the shelf support plate,wherein the shelf brace includes an eighth aperture wall formed throughthe shelf brace, wherein the second insulator is configured to mountbetween the shelf support plate and the shelf brace using the thirdshaft of the third fastener inserted into the fifth aperture wall andthe seventh aperture wall and the fourth shaft of the fourth fastenerinserted into the sixth aperture wall and the eighth aperture wall. 6.The shelf of claim 5, wherein the first insulator is mounted between theback brace and the shelf brace, wherein the second insulator is mountedbetween the front trim and the shelf brace.
 7. The shelf of claim 5,wherein at least one of the first fastener, the second fastener, thethird fastener, and the fourth fastener is connected to provide theelectrical current from the shelf brace to an electrical device mountedto the shelf support plate.
 8. The shelf of claim 7, wherein theelectrical device is mounted to the front trim.
 9. The shelf of claim 7,wherein the electrical current provides an electrical signal to theelectrical device.
 10. The shelf of claim 5, wherein the secondelectrically insulating material is the first electrically insulatingmaterial.
 11. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the fourth electricallyconductive material is the first electrically conductive material. 12.The shelf of claim 1, wherein the first fastener is selected from thegroup consisting of a screw, a rivet, a nail, and a bolt.
 13. The shelfof claim 1, wherein at least one of the first fastener and the secondfastener is connected to provide the electrical current from the shelfbrace to an electrical device mounted to the shelf support plate. 14.The shelf of claim 1, wherein the first insulator further comprises: afirst wall; and a second wall that extends in a generally perpendiculardirection from the first wall, wherein the second aperture wall isformed in the first wall, wherein the third aperture wall is formed inthe second wall.
 15. The shelf of claim 14, wherein the second aperturewall further extends from the first wall in a first direction opposite asecond direction of insertion of the first shaft of the first fastener.16. The shelf of claim 14, wherein the second aperture wall furtherextends from the first wall in a direction of insertion of the firstshaft of the first fastener.
 17. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the shelfhook comprises: a shelf hook wall mounted to the brace plate, whereinthe shelf hook wall comprises a top surface; a bottom surface; and anexterior edge surface, wherein the exterior edge surface extends betweenthe top surface and the bottom surface, wherein a first portion of theexterior edge surface that extends from the top surface is generallyperpendicular to the top surface, wherein a second portion of theexterior edge surface that extends from the bottom surface is generallyperpendicular to the bottom surface, wherein an exterior surface of theshelf brace is coated with a second electrically insulating materialexcept along the exterior edge surface.
 18. The shelf of claim 1,further comprising: a transition wall mounted to the brace plate,wherein the transition wall comprises a first seam and a second seamthat extend along a mounting location to the brace plate, wherein thefirst seam and the second seam are on opposite sides of the transitionwall; and a shelf hook wall mounted along the first seam, wherein theshelf hook comprises a top surface that extends above the transitionwall and the shelf hook wall; a bottom surface that extends below thetransition wall and the shelf hook wall; and an exterior edge surfacethat extends between the top surface and the bottom surface and along anexterior edge of the shelf hook wall opposite the first seam, wherein afirst portion of the exterior edge surface that extends from the topsurface is generally perpendicular to the top surface, wherein a secondportion of the exterior edge surface that extends from the bottomsurface is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface, wherein anexterior surface of the shelf brace is coated with a second electricallyinsulating material except on the shelf hook.
 19. The shelf of claim 18,wherein the shelf support plate includes a plurality of wires mountedtogether to form a wire frame.
 20. The shelf of claim 18, wherein theshelf support plate includes a solid surface.
 21. The shelf of claim 18,wherein the transition wall further comprises: a third seam between thefirst seam and the second seam, wherein the third seam extends generallyparallel to the first seam and the second seam, wherein a portion of theshelf hook between the third seam and the second seam is coated with thesecond electrically insulating material.
 22. The shelf of claim 18,wherein a portion of the shelf hook between the second seam and theexterior edge surface is coated with the second electrically insulatingmaterial.
 23. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the shelf brace furthercomprises a shelf electrical connector that extends from the braceplate, wherein the shelf hook comprises: a shelf hook wall mounted tothe brace plate, wherein the shelf hook wall comprises a top surface; abottom surface; and an exterior edge surface, wherein the exterior edgesurface extends between the top surface and the bottom surface, whereina first portion of the exterior edge surface that extends from the topsurface is generally perpendicular to the top surface, wherein a secondportion of the exterior edge surface that extends from the bottomsurface is generally perpendicular to the bottom surface, wherein anexterior surface of the shelf brace is coated with a second electricallyinsulating material except along the exterior edge surface and on theshelf electrical connector.
 24. The shelf of claim 23, wherein the shelfelectrical connector extends from a first edge of the brace plate,wherein the shelf hook extends from a second edge of the brace plate,wherein the first edge is at an end of the brace plate opposite thesecond edge.
 25. The shelf of claim 24, wherein the shelf electricalconnector extends upward from the first edge of the brace plate.
 26. Theshelf of claim 24, wherein the shelf electrical connector extendsdownward from the first edge of the brace plate.
 27. The shelf of claim24, wherein the shelf electrical connector extends outward from thefirst edge of the brace plate.
 28. The shelf of claim 24, wherein theshelf electrical connector has a polygonal cross-sectional shape definedin a plane of the brace plate that extends between the first edge andthe second edge.
 29. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the shelf supportplate comprises: a support plate that comprises a plurality of wiresmounted together to form a wire mesh; a front trim mounted to extendfrom a front edge of the support plate; and a back brace mounted toextend from a back edge of the support plate, wherein the shelf brace ismounted to a side of the support plate.
 30. The shelf of claim 1,wherein the shelf support plate comprises: a support plate formed ofglass; and a front trim mounted to extend from a front edge of thesupport plate, wherein the shelf brace is mounted to a side of thesupport plate.
 31. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the electricalconnector is a ladder formed of a fifth electrically conductivematerial, wherein the ladder is configured to connect to an electricalsource of energy.
 32. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the electricalconnector is mounted to a ladder formed of a fifth electricallyconductive material, wherein the ladder is configured to connect to anelectrical source of energy.